Lesson 4 - Visual Reflection

Unit 1:  Theory

LESSON 4:  VISUAL REFLECTION (2 DAYS)

"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know." - Diane Arbus, U.S. photographer

RESOURCES

NOTES on visual elements
how to write a VISUAL REFLECTION
Example of a VISUAL REFLECTION
visual example - "Dive Competition"
visual reflection rubric

INTRODUCTION

In this lesson, you will examine the visual codes used on television and in movies through an exploration of various camera techniques, as well as the use of lighting and colour. You will begin with a discussion about camera-subject distance, and review various film techniques that are used to create visual meaning.

The text of a visual is its content. The context is the environment in which it was created and received. The subtext is its underlying meaning, which may be deliberately obscured. It is this subtext that you must learn to interpret.

Unit 1:  Theory

LESSON 4:  VISUAL REFLECTION

LESSON

• Read and study the notes on VISUAL ELEMENTS that you have downloaded and printed.
• Read and study the notes on WRITING A VISUAL REFLECTION that you have downloaded and printed.
• Study the visual example, "Dive Competition".

ASSIGNMENT

 Once you have completed this assignment, place the assignment in the dropbox for marking.

ASSESSMENT

The Visual Assessment Ruberic will be used to mark this assignment and future assignments.

Study the photo, "Dive Competition".
Reflect upon the ideas and impressions suggested by the photo and then write a visual reflection. 
What ideas and impressions does the visual text suggest to you? 
Consider the context, and develop your response by referring to the visual text.

In your writing you should

• select a prose form that is appropriate to the ideas you wish to express and that will enable you to effectively communicate to the reader (short essay, diary entry, journal entry, newspaper article, editorial, interior monologue, short story, personal observation, etc.)
• discuss ideas and impressions that are meaningful to you
• respond from a personal, critical and/or creative perspective
• consider how you can create a strong unifying effect

Please move to the next page to check your assignment.  If you have questions, please email your teacher.

Unit 1:  Theory

LESSON 4:  VISUAL REFLECTION (2 DAYS)

The most important thing is to state your impression or idea and then defend the idea with details from the visual text that includes the following four things:

1. Theme (idea or impression of the visual)
2. Supporting details (from the visual) - be sure to create a strong unifying effect
3. Prose form (select a prose from that will enable you to effectively communicate your idea.

Examples include short essay, letter, editorial, short story, diary entry, newspaper article, etc. For more ideas, refer to the visual reflection source within the lesson.

4. Perspective in which the reflection will take

prose form - short essay

Perfect control of body and mind are absolutely essential for cliff divers such as Hassan Mouti. Only a limited number of top divers have the physical constitution and acrobatic ability that allows them to perform this sport at such a demanding and elite level. 

Due to the risk involved in performing this sport, most people would rather watch pro divers than try the sport themselves. Thousands of spectators crowd as closely to the point of entry as possible to as to absorb themselves in the moment of celebration. This dive is from a height of 89 feet, but divers are known to jump from cliffs as high as 150 feet. They must time their entries perfectly to ensure they land in the ocean when the waves roll in and the water is at its deepest. Sites must be checked carefully for wave action, height of the cliff, depth of the water and rocks and other obstacles on the side of the cliff and under the water. The risk is very high; one slight error can result in tragedy. 

When all precautions have been taken, the divers jump with acrobatic design and watchers hold their collective breath as the competitors take off from picturesque rocks of platforms set high on cliffs.

This is an exciting sport that can be defined as acrobatic perfection. Divers must brave the rough rocks to take a plunge in the hard hitting water beneath.
Cliff diving demands sound technical education and extensive training in order to accomplish such feats. Apart from courage, self confidence, extraordinary physical control and possessing the ability to make quick decisions is a must for competitors of this extreme sport. This is truly a sport that is marked by immense courage, focus, thrill and risk. Because of this, spectators will always gather around in anticipation of witnessing the performance of one of the most daring sports on earth.

CONCLUSION

You have reviewed various concepts and terms relating to visuals and have been introduced to the process for writing a visual reflection. Store this information in your binder for quick referral as you progress through this course.